Head of Research, Assessment and… at World Food… · Ixelles…

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS 28 May 2026-23:59-GMT+05:45 Nepal Time (Kathmandu)

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ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

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WHY JOIN WFP?

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

WFP encourages female candidates and people with disabilities to apply

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Food and nutrition security analysis is the basis for the design and implementation of all WFP operations including Country Strategic Plans (CSP) and emergency and resilience building programmes. Prior to the design of any intervention, WFP undertakes an analysis of the food and nutrition security as well as regular market monitoring which informs Government’s policies and programmes and the wider humanitarian and development community’s planning, programming and resource allocation. The purpose of the job will be to lead the Research, Assessment and Monitoring (RAM) Unit in WFP Nepal, advancing efforts with the Government of Nepal, United Nations agencies and knowledge partners including research and academic institutions to: (1) lead the food security, nutrition and market monitoring and analysis system in the Country Office and contribute to the Vulnerability Analysis Mapping (VAM) evidence base that supports food security and nutrition policies and programmes (e.g. needs assessment and situation analyses, programme design, targeting, cost effectiveness, and operational efficiency). (2) strengthen the capacities of national and local stakeholders to prepare for and respond to food insecurity and emergencies (3) Produce evidence and standards related to targeting and prioritization of geographic locations, households, and individuals in need of assistance and (4) utilize the latest science and technology to inform the design, implementation and monitoring of food security, nutrition and broader social protection programmes.

Research, Assessment and Monitoring and Evaluation Requirements

Given the diverse set of interventions under WFP Nepal’s Country Strategic Plan (2024-2028), with WFP’s focus towards strengthening the capacity of the Government of Nepal (GoN), there is a strong need for tracking progress and generate quality evidence on the outcomes and impact of WFP’s assistance on the lives of beneficiaries, capacity strengthening efforts, as well as its contribution to achieving SDG indicators, particularly in the area of food security and nutrition (SDG 2) and partnership (SDG 17) and other related SDGs. For this purpose, WFP Nepal is seeking to bolster its capacity on research, assessment, monitoring and evaluation with an experienced and qualified international consultant to lead the unit involved in Research, Assessment and Monitoring (RAM), which includes staff involved in Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM) and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Country Director, the Head of RAM will play a critical role in leading the coordination and implementation of all research, assessments, monitoring and evaluation efforts across all CSP activities and through the capacity strengthening of WFP staff on food security, nutrition, resilience, climate change and emergency response, by adopting both standard methodologies and innovative technological solutions. Strength in RAM capacity is crucial to inform operational, evidence-based decision making and strategic reorientation of WFP’s programmes. In addition, this role will also support the review of the current UNSDCF and the preparation of the CCA and related analysis documents informing a new joint UN cooperation framework.

TERMS AND CONDITION

Position Title: Head of Research, Assessment and Monitoring (RAM) unit

Contract Type: Regular Consultant

Level: II

Contract Duration: 11 months

Duty Station: Kathmandu, Nepal

Date of Publication: 15.05.2026Deadline of Application: 28.05.2026

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1) Food security, nutrition and livelihood assessment and research

• Coordinate and provide leadership and oversight to food security, nutrition, markets (including period market functionality index) and resilience analysis and prepare timely reports and products in line with the evidence plan of the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) and WFP corporate policies, processes and guidance to enable effective decision-making.

• Lead a team of national (and at times international) staff to develop, update, and oversee analysis and operational plans to ensure evidence generation products meet requirements with a focus on localization of key technical capacities and institutions.

• Provide leadership to WFP’s research, assessment and monitoring endeavours including setting strategic and technical requirements in developing a food security monitoring system in support of data-driven decision-making and with a focus on country capacity strengthening. Contribute to the targeting analysis and development of criteria for various programmes and advise the programme team in developing a targeting standard operating procedure (SOP).

• Work together with existing and new in-country, regional and global partners to integrate multi-hazard early warning systems, climate analysis into vulnerability analysis and mapping leading to preparation of contingency plans focusing on risk-informed approaches to inform the national and local governments’ decision-making and WFP Country Office advocacy, policy and programmes.

• Provide technical advice and support to government, WFP and cooperating partner staff on matters pertaining to food security and nutrition strategies, policies, programmes, and facilitate the timely and efficient use of products in a manner that complies with WFP standards and processes and considers gender and social inclusion.

• Provide technical and managerial leadership to VAM and M&E functions to develop and follow up on joint RAM workplan, coordinate planning and implementation of evidence generating activities (such as: Cost of the Diet / Fill the Nutrient gap analysis, post-distribution monitoring, process monitoring, essential needs analysis, minimum expenditure basket, choice of transfer modalities, etc).

• Co-lead with Programme the thought leadership and internal and external engagement and coordination for Anticipatory Action activities from a RAM perspective.

• Lead and manage the development of research and evidence generation plan for the Country Office in collaboration with programme unit and cross-functional units in the country office.

2) Monitoring and evaluation (M&E)

• Ensure that high standard evidence generation systems and tools compliant with corporate standards including the risk-based minimum monitoring requirements (MMR), standard operating procedures (SOPs) and establishment of baselines and targets in alignment with the updated corporate results framework are in place.

• Provide regular and up-to-date analysis and information on the food and nutrition security situation and related developments to the Head of Programme (HoP) and senior management including identifying the potential impact on WFP activities to enable timely and appropriate programme adjustment.

• Provide inputs to the development of M&E plans that will provide the most relevant and strategic information towards achieving expected results (as set out in the current and forthcoming Country Strategic Plan (CSP) and other global and regional plans compliant with WFP evaluation and monitoring requirements.

• Coordinate and manage operational / thematic / collaborative research initiatives and actively engage with relevant stakeholders such as the World Bank, IMF, ADB and other development partners to promote and contribute to the analysis and production of thematic briefs on key areas of interest such as food security, safety nets / social protection.

• Provide inputs to the development and implementation of national government and inter-agency monitoring, reporting and evaluation frameworks, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Assistance Framework (UNSDCF) as well as its underlying analysis work including the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and other relevant documents.

• Support WFP Management in addressing recommendations from monitoring, reviews, evaluations and audit to ensure that follow-up actions are taken, and issues addressed ad closed timely.

• Lead the process of internal and external evaluation exercise from inception to completion. This includes identifying a firm for an independent evaluation, facilitating secondary data review and primary data collection based on the scope of evaluation and methodologies required, disseminating the findings, and facilitating their use in future policy, programme design and implementation.

3) Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM)

• Lead and oversee WFP’s community feedback mechanism (SugarCRM), ensuring timely, accurate and quality case management and resolution in close collaboration with the CFM officer and other WFP staff as appropriate.

• Ensure full compliance with the CO’s standard operating procedures concerning the matter and take full responsibility for the implementation of the escalation protocol.

4) Representation and coordination

• Represent WFP in relevant fora such as the Food Security Development Partners Group (FSDPG) and provide WFP’s input to the UNSDCF workplans and reports (such as update of the Common Country Analysis / CCA), contribute to technical discussions, exchange knowledge and best practices, identify opportunities for potential collaboration and strategic partnerships for strengthening national RAM capacity.

• Participate in relevant coordination forums, inter-agency forums, working groups and technical meetings and discussions, exchange of knowledge and experience, promote the importance of timely evidence generation and build partnerships.

5) Capacity strengthening

• Regularly assess internal WFP, Government and cooperating partner staff capacity related to VAM and MRE and ensure adequate capacity strengthening support is provided mainly focusing on analysis of food security, nutrition, market, resilience, gender and related topics

6) Leadership and team management

• Provide strategic leadership, supervision, coaching and guidance to VAM and M&E staff and focal points across the programme unit.

• Develop annual workplan and budget for VAM and M&E and coordinate its implementation.

• Manage staff performance and evaluations by providing regular feedback and through periodic performance appraisals.

7) Strategic Planning and Knowledge Management

• Oversee and coordinate WFP Nepal’s engagement with the UNCT on reporting and implementation of the UNSDCF, including through the joint workplans.

• Oversee and coordinate WFP Nepal’s knowledge management agenda, including managing the CO’s knowledge portal.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education: Advanced University degree in Agricultural Economics, Statistics, International Affairs, Sociology, Development Studies or relevant fields of study.

Desired Skill: Knowledge of statistical analysis tools such as SPSS, STATA, Tableau, and ArcGIS, etc.

Experience:

• At least 6 years or more years of relevant professional work experience in international development or humanitarian work.

• has led and/or managed evidence generation, monitoring and evaluation activities.

• is familiar with IT solutions in support of programme and project monitoring.

• Experience in managing diverse teams of technical staff.

• Has experience working across the Program portfolio including VAM/Nutrition.

Languages: Excellent written and oral communications skills in English.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

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REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

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WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: global.inclusion@wfp.org

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

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REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.
• We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
• If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at http://global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org. Please note that this email is for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.
• At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.